Journey Within

If you can’t go outside, go inside!  Quarantined and practicing social distancing, all of us are going through a time that is frightening and threatening, both physically and mentally. Though we don’t know how exactly it’ll impact or how bad things might get, which makes it even overwhelmingly dreadful and emotionally distressing, yet there is always a silver lining, there always is. Being a teacher, for me, the most crucial part of life has become “time” and how effectively it needs to be managed to excel. However, the teaching and effective use of time must not be confined for professional purposes, but to organize one’s life and dig out the talents within: to start a journey within for bringing out the best versions of ourselves.

 As the demand of the 21^st century, we all need to get connected to technology either as a need or a passion and are very well aware of different application software, we are aware of the fact that; with the passage of time every the software needs to be updated or a new and better version of the software is released, which is more effective and powerful than the previous one. Similarly, humans also need to update themselves just as the software, to bring out the better, strong and more powerful self.

Before the pandemic hit the world, everyone was in a rush and had a list of responsibilities to tend to, which left no time for people to peek inside their minds and inner self for upgradation. Now that we have got a lot of time and we can’t go outside we must start a journey within, make the best use of this time, as M. Scott Peck mentions in his book “The Road Less Travelled”:

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”

 To make the best use of time, we all must value it and start using it constructively to value ourselves. “Who am I?” It is a question that we ask ourselves throughout our lives, in so many unimaginable ways. The work of finding oneself is lifelong. Understanding and deciding who we are can bring clarity of purpose, slow healing and a sort of pleasure to our lives. The pandemic has made us all very upset and anxious, but we need to pay close attention to this time as it might be God’s way of drawing our attention.

As the internet is a lifesaver at this time, there have been a lot of debates about how to use this time effectively, which may involve reading, watching movies, etc. for staying normal during this time. However, we must not forget to discover our inner selves. Each one of us is having a war within, we are all striving for mental peace and for that we must connect to God as stated in Surah-Ar-Rad 13:28  “ Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace”. Being constantly in touch with God and building that character and repute which interiorize and strengthen the inner peace would serve the purpose just right.

Reflection is the key to discover oneself, there is a whole universe inside each one of us, which needs to be discovered, which is waiting and inviting the bearer to discover and get awareness. More self-aware you are, the clearer you would be towards your goals and priorities. To understand what the future might hold for us, we must first understand our present self. There are a number of ways to do so; you may write a journal every night about the things you have done that day. Ponder on what you have done, and how you can improve to get better. Meditation is one of the ways that work best for me, give yourself some time, peek in your mind and find out the answers to your question. You are the only one who can be the best guide of yourself. As Rumi says “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself”. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and the things that you are grateful for. Come back to the essentials of life:  Love, kindness, truth. Conquer your dark side and bring yourself to light; the light of wisdom, love, and truth, for “Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.”

Once you discover your inner self, you would be able to set your aims and reach your goals. Walking out of this quarantine with having achieved nothing would be a failure. As stated lately: “Until you value your time, you will do nothing with it.”

We must value time and start working towards our goals once we are clear about what we actually need to do. It could be anything from self-grooming to learning a whole new major! Do what you have always wanted and wished to do. With constant struggle and efforts, you’ll be able to achieve your targets. “Whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on Earth” Discipline is in-universe, from the rising of the sun to the changing of seasons, then why would our lives be deprived of it. Set a schedule for yourself, prioritize the tasks of utmost importance, if you manage to achieve nothing, at least you’ll be a more disciplined person as compared to what you used to be.

Open your mind to accept the changes at any moment. Prepare yourself as an emotionally strong person and have the willingness to update your views of the world. To accept the world, we first must accept ourselves and stop lying both consciously and unconsciously as most of the dishonest decision originate from irrational thinking, as discomfort is propelled only in those moments where we start to step out of our comfort zone; to embrace reality.

In the end, always remember that you are stronger, braver and smarter than what you think you are.  Just let go of all your worries and embrace your imperfection, accept the truth about yourself and start a new journey. A journey within yourself!